Justice Ministry
Rev. Reggie Longcrier Speaks at NAACP Hickory Branch Meeting
submitted by Rev. Susan Smith
HICKORY - The NAACP Hickory Branch held its regular monthly meeting on April 13, 2025 to discuss their progress executing their mission which is "To achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color." The organization meets the second Sunday of every month at Hartzell UMC in Hickory and this month their speaker was the Rev. Reggie Longcrier; founding pastor of Exodus Missionary Outreach United Church of Christ, founding executive director of Exodus Homes, and longtime co-facilitator of the Racial Justice and Racial Reconciliation Discussion Group. He came to share his view of the state of our country and issue a call to action.
Prior to his presentation, the group discussed the recent nationwide "Hands Off" protests and the lack of diversity in the crowds that gathered all over the country. It was a very white protest with few black and brown people. Several of the members present commented on how influencers on social media platforms like YouTube, Tik Tok, and Instagram were encouraging black and brown people to stay home for their safety and the safety of the protests.
Longcrier shared the reasoning behind this saying "When we march, the Neo Nazis come out, When we march, the KKK and the Proud Boys come out. There is always potential for violent confrontation from other protesters, law enforcement, and ICE. If things get out of hand, this administration could declare martial law which they have threatened to do. People are afraid. Our voices are being silenced. Whatever happened to free speech? It's getting really scary in this country. For black folks, this is nothing new. We've been here before."
Museum stands as a testament to the resilience, contributions, and struggles of African Americans
by Rev. A. Jerome Danage, Sr. (D.Min.)
Justice Minister, Southern Conference
of the United Church of Christ
The Smithsonian African American Museum stands as a testament to the resilience, contributions, and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Its exhibits document the harsh realities of slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement, ensuring that these truths are neither forgotten nor distorted. To undermine such an institution is to erase the voices of those who fought for justice and equality. History teaches us that silencing marginalized communities perpetuates cycles of oppression.
The museum is not just a building; it is a bridge to building a more perfect union. The museum is not just a building; it is testament of truth unrelenting despite shackles and chains. The museum is not just a building; it is a triumphal legacy of lives forged through the terrain of trauma. The museum is not just a building; it is a storied reminder of a people through tears, blood, shame who persevered against all odds, The museum is not just a building; it is history of people who we celebrate, and honor as trailblazers, icons, creators and leaders highlighting our shared American History.
By targeting a museum that amplifies the stories of African Americans, the executive order contradicts the divine mandate to uphold truth and justice, and biblical justice is rooted in the idea of righteousness and equity. Micah 6:8 reminds us to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." The museum embodies this call by shedding light on the injustices faced by African Americans and celebrating their contributions to society. To dismantle such an institution is to reject the biblical call to justice and reconciliation. And underscores the moral and ethical responsibility to protect spaces that educate and inspire future generations.
Proverbs 31:8-9 urges us to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."
Join the us, the Southern Conference of the United Churches of Christ, as we commit to speaking truth to power, justice to injustice and liberty against all oppressors, both foreign and domestic…
UCC Webinar
Transformative Faith in Toxic Times
submitted by Rev. Brooks Berndt (Ph.D.)
UCC Minister for Environmental Justice
April 9, 1:00 pm ET (Wednesday)
To help congregations prepare for Earth Sunday on April 27th, we will have a webinar on April 9th at 1 pm ET featuring an Earth Sunday resource from Creation Justice Ministries. The webinar is entitled “Transformative Faith in Toxic Times.” It will feature the lead author of the resource along with two grassroots faith leaders profiled in the resource.
Too often, our theology of God’s power has been shaped by images of dominion and control, mirroring human systems of exploitation and extraction. But Scripture reveals a different kind of power—one that flows through relationships, nurtures life, and brings healing to both people and planet. Creation Justice Ministries has released a new resource in time for Earth Sunday that explores life-giving theologies in conversation with those leading at the grassroots of a faith-rooted movement. In this webinar, we will hear from the lead author of the resource along with two of the faith leaders profiled in it. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time of 1 pm ET on Wednesday, April 9th, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now to join us!
______________________
The Work of Eco-Justice Must Continue
By Rev. Donna Vanhook
Alamance Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor
But let justice roll down like water
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream
-- Amos 5:24 (NRSVUE)
After a couple of months, the new White House administration has demonstrated an unwillingness to continue the progress made in environmental justice. However, the work must go on. In Alamance County, the former Tarheel Army Missile Plant (TAMP)-aka Western Electric-cleanup continues. There have been two meetings in late 2024 to develop community involvement through the US Army Environmental Command Restoration Advisory Board (RAB). Churches in the Southern Conference United Church of Christ do well to not be deterred by uncertainty about the near future of environmental justice. Eco-justice work remains before us and we have a collective mandate to lead communities in the fight for clean and/or green environments.
UCC Webinar
Transformative Faith in Toxic Times
submitted by Rev. Brooks Berndt (Ph.D.)
UCC Minister for Environmental Justice
April 9, 1:00 pm ET (Wednesday)
To help congregations prepare for Earth Sunday on April 27th, we will have a webinar on April 9th at 1 pm ET featuring an Earth Sunday resource from Creation Justice Ministries. The webinar is entitled “Transformative Faith in Toxic Times.” It will feature the lead author of the resource along with two grassroots faith leaders profiled in the resource.
Too often, our theology of God’s power has been shaped by images of dominion and control, mirroring human systems of exploitation and extraction. But Scripture reveals a different kind of power—one that flows through relationships, nurtures life, and brings healing to both people and planet. Creation Justice Ministries has released a new resource in time for Earth Sunday that explores life-giving theologies in conversation with those leading at the grassroots of a faith-rooted movement. In this webinar, we will hear from the lead author of the resource along with two of the faith leaders profiled in it. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time of 1 pm ET on Wednesday, April 9th, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now to join us!
UCC offers guidance for navigating today's troubled waters
by C. L. Stumb, editor
Organizers for the January 20 Interfaith Service in Memphis -- that included UCC General Minister and President Karen Georgia A. Thompson and Bishop William Barber II – spoke of America’s defining moment and rallied the mass meeting “For Such a Time as This.” A groundswell of voices are now expressing readiness to make a prophetic response, although some fears have also been sounded about “making us a bigger target.”
Heather Kimmel (UCC General Counsel and Secretary of the Corporation) has responded to inquiries for guidance, and said, regarding making the church a bigger target, “Maybe. But there’s no effective way to get information out other than on the web and by email. While I can never say 'it’s safe' to do anything . . . I do think it’s the best way. Other denominations are posting online as well.” She then added, “Please feel free to share with your churches broadly.”
The following are resources Kimmel has provided in her blog:
Immigration Enforcement Action: What Churches Need to Know
Webinar: Legal Considerations for Churches Engaged in Sanctuary/Migrant Ministries
Sanctuary Ministries: Legal Risks and Considerations
ICE at Churches
+++ Additionally, Kimmel said the National Immigration Law Center just posted the following: Factsheet. Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All
